"You don’t just have cancer and get over it," says Pamela J. Haylock, RN. "Some of your usual patterns of doing and being need to change." Haylock, a cancer consultant in Medina, Texas is the co-author of an article in the journal Coping (Vol. 15, No. 3: 18), along with Kerry A. McGinn, RN, NP, on issues women face after treatment.

For many women, changes in self-image pose a difficult problem.

"The issue is not necessarily what they see in the mirror, but the image in their mind," says Terri Ades, RN, MS, AOCN, an oncology nurse and director of health content for the American Cancer Society (ACS). "Some women are concerned they won’t be seen as attractive any more."

More Than the Mirror's Image

Adjusting to changes in self-image may go beyond looks, Haylock says. "Sometimes after cancer you can’t handle the same household tasks. A woman may be unable to cook meals due to food aversions that developed during treatment." This means the whole family needs to be flexible and find creative solutions to the new situation, she says.

In some cases, cancer treatment leaves behind changes in physical functioning. Surgery leaves a scar, and radiation treatment can change skin color. Women may become infertile after ovarian surgery, or go into menopause early. Abdominal radiation treatments can lead to vaginal dryness.

"Some of these problems, such as vaginal dryness or early menopause, can be treated," says Ades. "Others, of course, cannot. Health professionals should address these issues while women are making decisions about cancer treatment so they understand the quality of life they can expect after treatment. There should be no surprises."

Women cancer survivors do not appear to be at increased risk for severe depression compared to the general population, Haylock says. However, a woman who does feel severely depressed should consult her healthcare provider.

"Ask for a referral to a mental health professional, and make sure it’s someone who’s knowledgeable about the effects of cancer and cancer treatment," Haylock says.

Once cancer treatment ends, there’s often still a pile of bills to pay and continuing medications to take. A family member or friend can often help a cancer survivor navigate the maze of financial issues. Keep in mind that financial assistance may be available, Haylock suggests. For example, most pharmaceutical companies make drugs available at lower or no cost to those who need them but can’t afford to pay.

Sometimes making the transition from active treatment to follow-up phase can pose an emotional challenge.

Tools Can Help with Transition 

"For many women, the relationship with their health care provider feels like a lifeline," Ades says. "As they enter the follow-up phase, the frequency of visits diminishes. Some people experience a sense of loss, so the adjustment period can be a critical time."

Establish a wellness plan for your life after cancer, Haylock urges. Consider using methods such as yoga, meditation, exercise, a healthy diet, and smoking cessation to maintain the greatest possible degree of health. Also create a summary record of your experiences with cancer, including a history of treatments, any problems you experienced, and what made any pain or discomfort better or worse. This record will be helpful if you move to another city or go to a new physician for any reason.

Though cancer is a visitor no one invites, many people find they are actually more comfortable with themselves after this experience, Haylock says. "Cancer pushes people to really explore who they are and the meaning of their lives. Some people, though not all, come out of the cancer experience feeling they are now (stronger)."

Visit the ACS Cancer Survivor’s Network, a worldwide community and online resource for those whose lives have been touched by cancer.

With McGinn, Haylock also co-authored the book, Women’s Cancers: How to Prevent Them, How to Treat Them, How to Beat Them.